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Kingarly Hill
Rousay, Egilsay and Wyre Energy Development (REWIRED)This wind turbine is one of the most northerly sites that we support in the UK, but it is also one of the most important. It supports the island communities of Rousay, Egilsay and Wyre, and is a brilliant example of what a community energy project should be.
Project overview
The Rousay, Egilsay and Wyre Energy Development (REWIRED) project is a 900 kW community-owned wind turbine serving the islands of Rousay, Egilsay, and Wyre in the Orkney Islands, Scotland.
Designed as a long-term community asset, the turbine plays a central role in supporting local development and sustainability across the islands.
About the project
Project Launch
The turbine was officially opened in October 2011, marking a major milestone in community-led renewable energy for the region.
To celebrate the occasion, pupils from Rousay School took part in the opening ceremony and buried a time capsule on site. The capsule is scheduled to be reopened in 2031, coinciding with the turbine’s decommissioning at the end of its 20-year operational life.
Community Ownership Model
REWIRED is a fully community-owned asset. All profits generated by the turbine are directed to the Rousay, Egilsay and Wyre Development Trust (REWDT).
This structure ensures that financial benefits remain local and are reinvested directly into the community.
Local Impact
Over its lifetime, the turbine is expected to generate approximately £2.7 million in funding for the local area.
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Community-led local projects
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Grant funding schemes
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Educational and youth bursaries
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Wider initiatives that improve island life
Legacy and Future
As the turbine approaches the end of its operational life, its legacy is already well established. The combination of renewable energy generation, community ownership, and long-term reinvestment has created a lasting impact for the islands.
The reopening of the time capsule in 2031 will mark not only the decommissioning of the turbine but also a moment to reflect on two decades of community benefit and progress.